From Firefighter to Graduate: Ralph Castellano’s Inspiring Journey to Earn His Montclair State University Degree 50 Years Later

This article celebrates Montclair State University’s Spring Commencement 2025 and highlights a remarkable graduate’s journey.

“I don’t like to leave things unfinished,” says Ralph Castellano, a retired firefighter who recently earned his Business Administration degree from Montclair State University. This milestone has been nearly 50 years in the making!

Castellano’s career path has been diverse. He worked as a mason, firefighter, small business owner, husband, and father. He first started taking night classes at Montclair in January 1975 while juggling a full-time job in construction.

“I was part-time and went to classes at night for about six years,” he says. After joining the fire department, he thought he’d put his studies on hold. “And I did—50 years later!”

Initially, Castellano pursued a degree in accounting but was unsure about a corporate career. “I was never one for sitting,” he laughs. Following his father’s advice, he took the firefighter exam and found a lifelong passion in public service.

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Castellano’s connection to the Belleville Fire Department runs deep. He even helped build parts of the station with his father. Over the years, he became a fire prevention specialist, educating the community through safety talks and partnerships with The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

In 2012, he received the Valor Award, honoring first responders who exceed expectations in emergencies. While responding to a fire inspection, he rushed into a burning apartment complex without protective gear to help residents escape, including an elderly woman in distress. “It was the right place at the right time,” he humbly reflects.

Though he considered retiring after 30 years, he chose to continue serving. “Today is a sad day,” he remarked during his interview, recalling the loss of his first wife, Marianne, to ovarian cancer 15 years ago. Together, they raised two children, Kimberly and Christopher. Castellano officially retired in 2020.

After his retirement, he found inspiration to return to school from his new wife, Joan, a Laughter Yoga teacher, and his sister, Marion. Despite many of his original courses becoming obsolete, Castellano discovered he was only 30 credits away from earning his degree. He completed one class each semester over the past four years.

“Here I am,” he smiles, proud of his accomplishment. “It’s been wonderful—the professors, the students. I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in, but I loved it. It kept my mind sharp.”

His journey doesn’t end here. Castellano is now enrolled in a hybrid MBA program at New Jersey City University and is planning a safari in South Africa next year. He actively participates in his local Knights of Columbus chapter and works part-time at the firehouse.

For older adults considering going back to school, he advises, “Do it. It’s absolutely worth it. You’re never too old.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on May 7 and 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Castellano’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Like him, many people can find new paths and opportunities at any age. Whether it’s continuing education or exploring new passions, the journey is what counts.

For more about Montclair’s programs and admission details, visit Montclair State University Admissions.

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